Hembree closes out Giants standouts
While the Class A Advanced San Jose Giants -- like their parent club in San Francisco -- were unable to defend their championship in 2011, there were still successes in the Bay Area and beyond.
Among the highlights: The Class A Augusta GreenJackets (70-68) won the second half South Division title in the South Atlantic League, while the Double-A Richmond Flying Squirrels (76-66) and the Rookie-level Arizona League Giants (41-15) advanced to the playoffs.
But no affiliate shared San Jose's experience: Pursuing an unprecedented third straight California League crown, the Giants (90-50) were one of two Minor League teams to reach the 90-win plateau. But they were eliminated in the North Division Finals.
"Anytime you end the season like that and don't come away with a championship, you have to get that feeling out of your stomach," starting pitcher Chris Heston said. "We'll use it for motivation for next year."
Heston and five others who spent time in the Capital of the